According to CBC, the Government of Nova Scotia’s decision to provide $25M in funding to Saint Mary’s University has faced criticism from the provincial opposition. SMU reportedly sent a one-page proposal to NS outlining its “significantly reduced operating revenue” and requesting $25M to create programs that would support the province’s health-care system. The university is now using those funds to develop and launch programs in leadership and data literacy in health care, as well as to upgrade technology and infrastructure. Liberal Leader Zach Churchill and NDP Leader Claudia Chender asserted that the funding was an example of NS spending provincial funds without conducting due diligence. In response, NS Advanced Education Minister Brian Wong defended the funding decision, expressing confidence that the programming “will help direct health-care initiatives going forward.”
